Long term oxygen therapy system

ABSTRACT

A long term oxygen therapy system having an oxygen supply directly linked with a patient&#39;s lung or lungs may be utilized to more efficiently treat hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The system includes an oxygen source, one or more valves and fluid carrying conduits. The fluid carrying conduits link the oxygen source to diseased sites within the patient&#39;s lungs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/399,907 filed on Jul. 31, 2002.

Background of the Invention

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to systems for delivering oxygen, and more particularly, to systems for delivering oxygen directly to diseased portions of the lungs.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] As a result of studies that date back to the 1930's and particularly studies conducted in the 1960's and early 1970's, it has been determined that long-term continuous oxygen therapy is beneficial in the treatment of hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In other words, a patient's life and quality of life can be improved by providing a constant supplemental supply of oxygen to the patient's lungs.

[0006] However, with the desire to contain medical costs, there is a growing concern that the additional cost of providing continuous oxygen therapy for chronic lung disease will create an excessive increase in the annual cost of oxygen therapy. Thus, it is desirable that oxygen therapy, when provided, be as cost effective as possible.

[0007] The standard treatment for patients requiring supplemental oxygen is still to deliver oxygen from an oxygen source by means of a nasal cannula. Such treatment, however, requires a large amount of oxygen, which is wasteful and can cause soreness and irritation to the nose, as well as being potentially aggravating. Other undesirable effects have also been reported. Various other medical approaches which have been proposed to help reduce the cost of continuous oxygen therapy have been studied.

[0008] Various devices and methods have been devised for performing emergency cricothyroidotomies and for providing a tracheotomy tube so that a patient whose airway is otherwise blocked may continue to breath. Such devices are generally intended only for use with a patient who is not breathing spontaneously and are not suitable for the long term treatment of chronic lung disease. Typically, such devices are installed by puncturing the skin to create a hole into the cricoid membrane of the larynx above the trachea into which a relatively large curved tracheotomy tube is inserted. As previously described, the use of such tubes has been restricted medically to emergency situations where the patient would otherwise suffocate due to the blockage of the airway. Such emergency tracheotomy tubes are not suitable for long term therapy after the airway blockage is removed.

[0009] Other devices which have been found satisfactory for emergency or ventilator use are described in U.S. Pat. No. 953,922 to Rogers; U.S. Pat. No. 2,873,742 to Shelden; U.S. Pat. No. 3,384,087 to Brummelkamp; U.S. Pat. No. 3,511,243 to Toy; U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,103 to Calhoun; U.S. Pat. No. 2,991,787 to Shelden, et al; U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,773 to Weiss; U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,250 to Weiss, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,916,903 to Pozzi.

[0010] Although tracheotomy tubes are satisfactory for their intended purpose, they are not intended for chronic usage by outpatients as a means for delivering supplemental oxygen to spontaneously breathing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Such tracheotomy tubes are generally designed so as to provide the total air supply to the patient for a relatively short period of time. The tracheotomy tubes are generally of rigid or semi-rigid construction and of caliber ranging from 2.5 mm outside diameter in infants to 15 mm outside diameter in adults. They are normally inserted in an operating room as a surgical procedure or during emergency situations, through the crico-thyroid membrane where the tissue is less vascular and the possibility of bleeding is reduced. These devices are intended to permit passage of air in both directions until normal breathing has been restored by other means.

[0011] Another type of tracheotomy tube is disclosed in Jacobs, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,682,166 and 3,788,326. The catheter described therein is placed over 14 or 16 gauge needle and inserted through the crico-thyroid membrane for supplying air or oxygen and vacuum on an emergency basis to restore the breathing of a non-breathing patient. The air or oxygen is supplied at 30 to 100 psi for inflation and deflation of the patient's lungs. The Jacobs catheter, like the other tracheotomy tubes previously used, is not suitable for long term outpatient use, and could not easily be adapted to such use.

[0012] Due to the limited functionality of tracheotomy tubes, transtracheal catheters have been proposed and used for long term supplemental oxygen therapy. For example the small diameter transtracheal catheter (16 gauge) developed by Dr. Henry J. Heimlich (described in THE ANNALS OF OTOLOGY, RHINOLOGY & LARYNGOLOGY, November-December 1982; Respiratory Rehabilitation with Transtracheal Oxygen System) has been used by the insertion of a relatively large cutting needle (14 gauge) into the trachea at the mid-point between the cricothyroid membrane and the sternal notch. This catheter size can supply oxygen up to about 3 liters per minute at low pressures, such as 2 psi which may be insufficient for patients who require higher flow rates. It does not, however, lend itself to outpatient use and maintenance, such as periodic removal and cleaning, primarily because the connector between the catheter and the oxygen supply hose is adjacent and against the anterior portion of the trachea and cannot be easily seen and manipulated by the patient. Furthermore, the catheter is not provided with positive means to protect against kinking or collapsing which would prevent its effective use on an outpatient basis. Such a feature is not only desirable but necessary for long term outpatient and home care use. Also, because of its structure, i.e. only one exit opening, the oxygen from the catheter is directed straight down the trachea toward the bifurcation between the bronchi. Because of the normal anatomy of the bronchi wherein the left bronchus is at a more acute angle to the trachea than the right bronchus, more of the oxygen from that catheter tends to be directed into the right bronchus rather than being directed or mixed for more equal utilization by both bronchi. Also, as structured, the oxygen can strike the carina, resulting in an undesirable tickling sensation and cough. In addition, in such devices, if a substantial portion of the oxygen is directed against the back wall of the trachea causing erosion of the mucosa in this area which may cause chapping and bleeding. Overall, because of the limited output from the device, it may not operate to supply sufficient supplemental oxygen when the patient is exercising or otherwise quite active or has severe disease.

[0013] Thus none of the above-described prior art devices are fully suitable for outpatient use on a long term basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages associated with the long term oxygen therapy systems as briefly described above.

[0015] In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is directed to a long term oxygen therapy system. The long term oxygen therapy system comprises an oxygen supply, at least one conduit having a first end connected to the oxygen supply and a second end passing through the thoracic wall and lung of a patient thereby establishing fluid communication between the oxygen supply and the inner volume of the lung, and a sealing device connected to the at least one conduit, the sealing device providing a fluid tight seal between the at least one conduit and the thoracic wall.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a long term oxygen therapy system. The long term oxygen therapy system comprises an oxygen supply, a valve, a first conduit having a first end connected to the oxygen supply and a second end connected to the valve, at least one second conduit having a first end connected to the valve and a second end having multiple branches, one of the branches passing through the thoracic wall and lung of a patient thereby establishing fluid communication between the oxygen supply and the inner volume of the lung, and another of the branches passing through a bronchus of a patient thereby establishing fluid communication between the oxygen supply, the inner volume of the lung and the bronchus, and sealing devices connected to the multiple branches, the sealing devices providing a fluid tight seal between the one of the branches passing through the thoracic wall and lung of the patient and the thoracic wall and a fluid tight seal between the other of the branches passing through a bronchus of the patient and the thoracic wall of the patient.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating hypoxemic patients having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The method comprises creating an anastomotic opening extending from the thoracic wall and into the inner volume of a lung, supplying oxygen from a source directly into alveolar tissue of a lung through a conduit extending from the oxygen source and into the lung through the anastomotic opening, and establishing a fluid tight seal between the anastomotic opening and the conduit.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating hypoxemic patients having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The method comprises creating an anastomotic opening extending from the thoracic wall and into the inner volume of a lung, supplying oxygen from a source directly into alveolar tissue of a lung through a conduit extending from the oxygen source and into the lung through the anastomotic opening, establishing a fluid tight seal between the anastomotic opening and the conduit, and venting air from the lung into the bronchus through a second conduit.

[0019] The long term oxygen therapy system of the present invention delivers oxygen directly to diseased sites in a patient's lungs. Long term oxygen therapy is widely accepted as the standard treatment for hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for example, pulmonary emphysema. Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the alveoli of the lungs lose their elasticity and the walls between adjacent alveoli are destroyed. As more and more alveoli walls are lost, the air exchange surface area of the lungs is reduced until air exchange becomes seriously impaired. The combination of mucus hypersecretion and dynamic air compression is a mechanism of airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Dynamic air compression results from the loss of tethering forces exerted on the airway due to the reduction in lung tissue elasticity. Essentially, stale air accumulates in the lungs, thereby depriving the individual of oxygen. Various methods may be utilized to determine the location or locations of the diseased tissue, for example, computerized axial tomography or CAT scans, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, positron emission tomograph or PET, and/or standard X-ray imaging. Once the location or locations of the diseased tissue are located, anastomotic openings are made in the thoracic cavity and lung or lungs and one or more oxygen carrying conduits are positioned and sealed therein. The one or more oxygen carrying conduits are connected to an oxygen source which supplies oxygen under elevated pressure directly to the diseased portion or portions of the lung or lungs. The pressurized oxygen essentially displaces the accumulated air and is thus more easily absorbed by the alveoli tissue. In addition, the long term oxygen therapy system may be configured in such a way as to provide collateral ventilation bypass in addition to direct oxygen therapy. In this configuration, an additional conduit may be connected between the main conduit and the individual's trachea with the appropriate valve arrangement. In this configuration, stale air may be removed through the trachea when the individual exhales since the trachea is directly linked with the diseased site or sites in the lung via the conduits.

[0020] The long term oxygen therapy system of the present invention improves oxygen transfer efficiency in the lungs thereby reducing oxygen supply requirements, which in turn reduces the patient's medical costs. The system also allows for improved self-image, improved mobility, greater exercise capability and is easily maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0022]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the long term oxygen therapy system in accordance with the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a sealing device utilized in conjunction with the long term oxygen therapy system of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a sealing device utilized in conjunction with the long term oxygen therapy system of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of a sealing device utilized in conjunction with the long term oxygen therapy system of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a sealing device utilized in conjunction with the long term oxygen therapy system of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the long term oxygen therapy system in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Air typically enters the mammalian body through the nostrils and flows into the nasal cavities. As the air passes through the nostrils and nasal cavities, it is filtered, moistened and raised or lowered to approximately body temperature. The back of the nasal cavities is continuous with the pharynx (throat region); therefore, air may reach the pharynx from the nasal cavities or from the mouth. Accordingly, if equipped, the mammal may breath through its nose or mouth. Generally air from the mouth is not as filtered or temperature regulated as air from the nostrils. The air in the pharynx flows from an opening in the floor of the pharynx and into the larynx (voice box). The epiglottis automatically closes off the larynx during swallowing so that solids and/or liquids enter the esophagus rather than the lower air passageways or airways. From the larynx, the air passes into the trachea, which divides into two branches, referred to as the bronchi. The bronchi are connected to the lungs.

[0029] The lungs are large, paired, spongy, elastic organs, which are positioned in the thoracic cavity. The lungs are in contact with the walls of the thoracic cavity. In humans, the right lung comprises three lobes and the left lung comprises two lobes. Lungs are paired in all mammals, but the number of lobes or sections of lungs varies from mammal to mammal. Healthy lungs, as discussed below, have a tremendous surface area for gas/air exchange. Both the left and right lung is covered with a pleural membrane. Essentially, the pleural membrane around each lung forms a continuous sac that encloses the lung. A pleural membrane also forms a lining for the thoracic cavity. The space between the pleural membrane forming the lining of the thoracic cavity and the pleural membranes enclosing the lungs is referred to as the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity comprises a film of fluid that serves as a lubricant between the lungs and the chest wall.

[0030] In the lungs, the bronchi branch into a multiplicity of smaller vessels referred to as bronchioles. Typically, there are more than one million bronchioles in each lung. Each bronchiole ends in a cluster of extremely small air sacs referred to as alveoli. An extremely thin, single layer of epithelial cells lining each alveolus wall and an extremely thin, single layer of epithelial cells lining the capillary walls separate the air/gas in the alveolus from the blood. Oxygen molecules in higher concentration pass by simple diffusion through the two thin layers from the alveoli into the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide molecules in higher concentration pass by simple diffusion through the two thin layers from the blood in the pulmonary capillaries into the alveoli.

[0031] Breathing is a mechanical process involving inspiration and expiration. The thoracic cavity is normally a closed system and air cannot enter or leave the lungs except through the trachea. If the chest wall is somehow compromised and air/gas enters the pleural cavity, the lungs will typically collapse. When the volume of the thoracic cavity is increased by the contraction of the diaphragm, the volume of the lungs is also increased. As the volume of the lungs increase, the pressure of the air in the lungs falls slightly below the pressure of the air external to the body (ambient air pressure). Accordingly, as a result of this slight pressure differential, external or ambient air flows through the respiratory passageways described above and fills the lungs until the pressure equalizes. This process is inspiration. When the diaphragm is relaxed, the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases, which in turn decreases the volume of the lungs. As the volume of the lungs decrease, the pressure of the air in the lungs rises slightly above the pressure of the air external to the body. Accordingly, as a result of this slight pressure differential, the air in the alveoli is expelled through the respiratory passageways until the pressure equalizes. This process is expiration.

[0032] Continued insult to the respiratory system may result in various diseases, for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a persistent obstruction of the airways caused by chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. In the United States alone, approximately fourteen million people suffer from some form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and it is in the top ten leading causes of death.

[0033] Chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis share certain similar characteristics; however, they are distinct diseases. Both chronic and acute bronchitis involve inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes and the bronchioles; however, acute bronchitis is generally associated with a viral and/or bacterial infection and its duration is typically much shorter than chronic bronchitis. In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes secrete too much mucus as part of the body's defensive mechanisms to inhaled foreign substances. Mucus membranes comprising ciliated cells (hair like structures) line the trachea and bronchi. The ciliated cells or cilia continuously push or sweep the mucus secreted from the mucus membranes in a direction away from the lungs and into the pharynx, where it is periodically swallowed. This sweeping action of the cilia functions to keep foreign matter from reaching the lungs. Foreign matter that is not filtered by the nose and larynx, as described above, becomes trapped in the mucus and is propelled by the cilia into the pharynx. When too much mucus is secreted, the ciliated cells may become damaged, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of the cilia to sweep the bronchial tubes and trachea of the mucus containing the foreign matter. This in turn causes the bronchioles to become constricted and inflamed and the individual becomes short of breath. In addition, the individual will develop a chronic cough as a means of attempting to clear the airways of excess mucus.

[0034] Individuals who suffer from chronic bronchitis may develop pulmonary emphysema. Pulmonary emphysema is a disease in which the alveoli walls, which are normally fairly rigid structures, are destroyed. The destruction of the alveoli walls is irreversible. Pulmonary emphysema may be caused by a number of factors, including chronic bronchitis, long term exposure to inhaled irritants, e.g. air pollution, which damage the cilia, enzyme deficiencies and other pathological conditions. In pulmonary emphysema, the alveoli of the lungs lose their elasticity, and eventually the walls between adjacent alveoli are destroyed. Accordingly, as more and more alveoli walls are lost, the air exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) surface area of the lungs is reduced until air exchange becomes seriously impaired. The combination of mucus hypersecretion and dynamic airway compression are mechanisms of airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Dynamic airway compression results from the loss of tethering forces exerted on the airway due to the reduction in lung tissue elasticity. Mucus hypersecretion is described above with respect to bronchitis. In other words, the breakdown of lung tissue leads to the reduced ability of the lungs to recoil and the loss of radial support of the airways. Consequently, the loss of elastic recoil of the lung tissue contributes to the inability of individuals to exhale completely. The loss of radial support of the airways also allows a collapsing phenomenon to occur during the expiratory phase of breathing. This collapsing phenomenon also intensifies the inability for individuals to exhale completely. As the inability to exhale completely increases, residual volume in the lungs also increases. This then causes the lung to establish in a hyperinflated state where an individual can only take short shallow breaths. Essentially, air is not effectively expelled and stale air accumulates in the lungs. Once the stale air accumulates in the lungs, the individual is deprived of oxygen. There is no cure for pulmonary emphysema, only various treatments, including exercise, drug therapy, such as bronchodilating agents, lung volume reduction surgery and long term oxygen therapy.

[0035] As described above, long term oxygen therapy is widely accepted as the standard treatment for hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Typically, oxygen therapy is prescribed using a nasal cannula. There are disadvantages associated with using the nasal cannula. One disadvantage associated with utilizing nasal cannula is the significant loss of oxygen between the cannula and the nose, which in turn equates to more frequent changes in the oxygen source, or higher energy requirements to generate more oxygen. Another disadvantage associated with utilizing nasal cannula is the fact that the cannulas may cause the nasal passages to become dry, cracked and sore.

[0036] Transtracheal oxygen therapy has become a viable alternative to long term oxygen therapy. Transtracheal oxygen therapy delivers oxygen directly to the lungs using a catheter that is placed through and down the trachea. Due to the direct nature of the oxygen delivery, a number of advantages are achieved. These advantages include lower oxygen requirements due to greater efficiency, increased mobility, greater exercise capability and improved self image.

[0037] The long term oxygen therapy system and method of the present invention may be utilized to deliver oxygen directly into the lung tissue in order to optimize oxygen transfer efficiency in the lungs. In other words, improved efficiency may be achieved if oxygen were to be delivered directly into the alveolar tissue in the lungs. In emphysema, alveoli walls are destroyed, thereby causing a decrease in air exchange surface area. As more alveoli walls are destroyed, collateral ventilation resistance is lowered. In other words, pulmonary emphysema causes an increase in collateral ventilation and to a certain extent, chronic bronchitis also causes an increase in collateral ventilation. Essentially, in an emphysematous lung, the communicating flow of air between neighboring air sacs (alveoli), known as collateral ventilation, is much more prevalent as compared to a normal lung. Since air cannot be expelled from the native airways due to the loss of tissue elastic recoil and radial support of the airways (dynamic collapse during exhalation), the increase in collateral ventilation does not significantly assist an individual in breathing. The individual develops dsypnea. Accordingly, if it can be determined where collateral ventilation is occurring, then the diseased lung tissue may be isolated and the oxygen delivered to this precise location or locations. Various methods may be utilized to determine the diseased tissue locations, for example, computerized axial tomography or CAT scans, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, positron emission tomograph or PET, and/or standard X-ray imaging. Once the diseased tissue is located, pressurized oxygen may be directly delivered to these diseased areas and more effectively and efficiently forced into the lung tissue for air exchange.

[0038]FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary long term oxygen therapy system 100. The system 100 comprises an oxygen source 102, an oxygen carrying conduit 104 and a one-way valve 106. The oxygen source 102 may comprise any suitable device for supplying filtered oxygen under adjustably regulated pressures and flow rates, including pressurized oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen reservoirs, oxygen concentrators and the associated devices for controlling pressure and flow rate e.g. regulators. The oxygen carrying conduit 104 may comprise any suitable biocompatible tubing having a high resistance to damage caused by continuous oxygen exposure. The oxygen carrying conduit 104 comprises tubing having an inside diameter in the range from about {fraction (1/16)} inch to about ½ inch and more preferably from about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch. The one-way valve 106 may comprise any suitable, in-line mechanical valve which allows oxygen to flow into the lungs 108 through the oxygen carrying conduit 104, but not from the lungs 108 back into the oxygen source 102. For example, a simple check valve may be utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the oxygen carrying conduit 104 passes through the lung 108 at the site determined to have the highest degree of collateral ventilation.

[0039] The exemplary system 100 described above may be modified in a number of ways, including the use of an in-line filter. In this exemplary embodiment, both oxygen and air may flow through the system. In other words, during inhalation, oxygen is delivered to the lungs through the oxygen carrying conduit 104 and during exhalation, air from the lungs flow through the oxygen carrying conduit 104. The in-line filter would trap mucus and other contaminants, thereby preventing a blockage in the oxygen source 102. In this exemplary embodiment, no valve 106 would be utilized.

[0040] In order for the exemplary long term oxygen therapy system 100 to function, an air tight seal is preferably maintained where the oxygen carrying conduit 104 passes through the thoracic cavity and lung. This seal is maintained in order to sustain the inflation/functionality of the lungs. If the seal is breached, air can enter the cavity and cause the lungs to collapse as described above.

[0041] A method to create this seal comprises forming adhesions between the visceral pleura of the lung and the inner wall of the thoracic cavity. This may be achieved using either chemical methods, including irritants such as Doxycycline and/or Bleomycin, surgical methods, including pleurectomy or thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis, or radiotherapy methods, including radioactive gold or external radiation. All of these methods are known in the relevant art for creating pleurodesis. With a seal created at the site for the ventilation bypass, an intervention may be safely performed without the danger of creating a pneumothorax of the lung.

[0042] Similarly to ostomy pouches or bags, the oxygen carrying conduit 104 may be sealed to the skin at the site of the ventilation bypass. In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the oxygen carrying conduit 104 may be sealed to the skin of the thoracic wall utilizing an adhesive. As illustrated, the oxygen carrying conduit 104 comprises a flange 200 having a biocompatible adhesive coating on the skin contacting surface. The biocompatible adhesive would provide a fluid tight seal between the flange 200 and the skin or epidermis of the thoracic wall. In a preferred embodiment, the biocompatible adhesive provides a temporary fluid tight seal such that the oxygen carrying conduit 104 may be disconnected from the ventilation bypass site. This would allow for the site to be cleaned and for the long term oxygen therapy system 100 to undergo periodic maintenance.

[0043]FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment for sealing the oxygen carrying conduit 104 to the skin of the thoracic wall at the site of the ventilation bypass. In this exemplary embodiment, a coupling plate 300 is sealed to the skin at the site of the ventilation bypass by a biocompatible adhesive coating or any other suitable means. The oxygen carrying conduit 104 is then connected to the coupling plate 300 by any suitable means, including threaded couplings and locking rings. The exemplary embodiment also allows for cleaning of the site and maintenance of the system 100.

[0044]FIG. 4 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment for sealing the oxygen carrying conduit 104 to the skin of the thoracic wall at the site of the ventilation bypass. In this exemplary embodiment, balloon flanges 400 may be utilized to create the seal. The balloon flanges 400 may be attached to the oxygen carrying conduit 104 such that in the deflated state, the oxygen carrying conduit 104 and one of the balloon flanges passes through the ventilation bypass anastomosis. The balloon flanges 400 are spaced apart a sufficient distance such that the balloon flanges remain on opposite sides of the thoracic wall. When inflated, the balloons expand and form a fluid tight seal by sandwiching the thoracic wall. Once again, this exemplary embodiment allows for easy removal of the oxygen carrying conduit 104.

[0045]FIG. 5 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment for sealing the oxygen carrying conduit 104 to the skin of the thoracic wall at the site of the ventilation bypass. In this exemplary embodiment, a single balloon flange 500 is utilized in combination with a fixed flange 502. The balloon flange 500 is connected to the oxygen carrying conduit 104 in the same manner as described above. In this exemplary embodiment, the balloon flange 500, when inflated, forms the fluid tight seal. The fixed flange 502, which is maintained against the skin of the thoracic wall, provides the structural support against which the balloon exerts pressure to form the seal.

[0046] If an individual has difficulty exhaling and requires additional oxygen, collateral ventilation bypass may be combined with direct oxygen therapy. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a collateral ventilation bypass/direct oxygen therapy system 600. The system 600 comprises an oxygen source 602, an oxygen carrying conduit 604 having two branches 606 and 608, and a control valve 610. The oxygen source 602 and oxygen carrying conduit 604 may comprise components similar to the above-described exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In this exemplary embodiment, when the individual inhales, the valve 610 is open and oxygen flows into the lung 612 and into the bronchial tube 614. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the branch 608 may be connected to the trachea 616. Accordingly, during inhalation oxygen flows to the diseased site in the lung or lungs and to other parts of the lung through the normal bronchial passages. During exhalation, the valve 610 is closed so that no oxygen is delivered and air in the diseased portion of the lung may flow from the lung 612, through one branch 606 and into the second branch 608 and finally into the bronchial tube 616. In this manner, stale air is removed and oxygen is directly delivered.

[0047] The connection and sealing of the oxygen carrying conduit 604 and branches 606, 608 to the lung 612 and bronchial tube 614 may be made in a manner similar to that described above.

[0048] Although shown and described is what is believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is apparent that departures from specific designs and methods described and shown will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is not restricted to the particular constructions described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cohere with all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A long term oxygen therapy system comprising: an oxygen supply; at least one conduit having a first end connected to the oxygen supply and a second end passing through the thoracic wall and lung of a patient thereby establishing fluid communication between the oxygen supply and the inner volume of the lung; and a sealing device connected to the at least one conduit, the sealing device providing a fluid tight seal between the at least one conduit and the thoracic wall.
 2. A long term oxygen therapy system comprising: an oxygen supply; a valve; a first conduit having a first end connected to the oxygen supply and a second end connected to the valve; at least one second conduit having a first end connected to the valve and a second end having multiple branches, one of the branches passing through the thoracic wall and lung of a patient thereby establishing fluid communication between the oxygen supply and the inner volume of the lung, and another of the branches passing through a bronchus of a patient thereby establishing fluid communication between the oxygen supply, the inner volume of the lung and the bronchus; and sealing devices connected to the multiple branches, the sealing devices providing a fluid tight seal between the one of the branches passing through the thoracic wall and lung of the patient and the thoracic wall and a fluid tight seal between the other of the branches passing through a bronchus of the patient and the thoracic wall of the patient.
 3. A method for treating hypoxemic patients having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the method comprising: creating an anastomotic opening extending from the thoracic wall and into the inner volume of a lung; supplying oxygen from a source directly into alveolar tissue of a lung through a conduit extending from the oxygen source and into the lung through the anastomotic opening; and establishing a fluid tight seal between the anastomotic opening and the conduit.
 4. A method for treating hypoxemic patients having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the method comprising: creating an anastomotic opening extending from the thoracic wall and into the inner volume of a lung; supplying oxygen from a source directly into alveolar tissue of a lung through a conduit extending from the oxygen source and into the lung through the anastomotic opening; establishing a fluid tight seal between the anastomotic opening and the conduit; and venting air from the lung into the bronchus through a second conduit. 